Code of Maryland Regulations (Last Updated: April 6, 2021) |
Title 10. Maryland Department of Health |
Part 3. |
Subtitle 11. MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH |
Chapter 10.11.01. Identification of Infants |
Sec. 10.11.01.03. Identification of Newborn Infants — Mandatory Procedure
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A. An institution shall perform the infant identification procedures described in this regulation:
(1) Immediately after the birth of the infant; and
(2) Before the mother and infant are separated.
B. An individual employed by the institution who attends the birth shall securely attach matching identification bands to the wrists of the mother and infant. An additional matching band may be attached the infant's father or another individual designated by the infant's mother.
C. The matching identification bands shall include:
(1) The mother's name;
(2) The same identification number for:
(a) The infant;
(b) The mother; and
(c) If applicable, the father or any other designated person;
(3) The infant's gender;
(4) The date and time of birth; and
(5) Any other information specified by the institution's policy.
D. In the case of multiple births:
(1) The identification band for each infant shall also include the infant's birth order indicated either alphabetically such as by A, B, C or numerically such as by 1, 2, 3; and
(2) A band corresponding to each infant shall be attached to the mother.
E. Any unused band shall be:
(1) Attached to the mother;
(2) Stapled to the mother's chart; or
(3) Disposed of in a secure disposal box.
F. An individual employed by the institution shall check the birth record and identification bands for accuracy before the mother or infant leaves the delivery room.
G. Each institution shall implement policies requiring personnel to check to ensure that the identification bands of a mother and her infant match:
(1) Each time the infant is taken to the mother while at the institution; and
(2) At the time of the discharge of the mother and infant from the institution.